Bismuth exhibition: Forgotten stories of uranium mining in Chemnitz!

Bismuth exhibition: Forgotten stories of uranium mining in Chemnitz!

The important exhibition “Faces of Wismut” in the Chemnitz University Library has been drawing attention to the multifaceted history of Wismut AG since September 10, 2025. Under the curator Rike Schreiber from the Amthordurchgang Memorial Association. V. Gera brings to life the multitude of personal biographies, anecdotes, photographs and cultural testimonies. The Wismut Network Chemnitz, founded in November 2023, has set itself the goal of anchoring the historical significance of this former uranium mining company in the collective memory of the population. TU Chemnitz reports that the exhibition plays an important role in the culture of remembrance by revealing both the personal and political dimensions of Wismut's story.

The finissage of the exhibition on October 17, 2025 promises an exciting final day. An open workshop with Rike Schreiber will take place between 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., for which registration is required by October 15, 2025. There will be a public curator's tour from 3:00 p.m., followed by a film screening of the documentary "WISMUT - Uranium Mining in the Erzgebirge" at 4:00 p.m., which offers another in-depth insight into the topic. The day ends with a discussion in the “IdeenReich” room. If you are interested in further information, you can contact Stepan Luther at stephan.luther@bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de or by phone at 0371 531-13170.

Historical roots of uranium mining

Uranium mining in the Saxon-Bohemian Ore Mountains has a long and diverse history. Mining began as early as the 12th century with the extraction of silver and tin, which laid the foundation for the later discovery of pitchblende. How Wikipedia reports, Pitchblende has been collected in mines since the 16th century and significant amounts of uranium were produced industrially in Joachimsthal until 1898.

Wismut AG, founded in 1947, was known for its crucial contribution to uranium production on behalf of the Soviet Union, with activities taking place in both Saxony and Thuringia. Under the name SDAG Wismut, the company operated in a framework known as a “state within a state” and was also known for a large collection of fine works of art. These works of art are now part of a current exhibition in Zwickau, which shows over 4,000 works by 450 artists and has been extended until October 26, 2025 to accommodate the high level of interest. The focus of the exhibition is on the themes of transformation after German reunification.

Insights into current memory work

Wismut GmbH was founded in 1991 to carry out the rehabilitation of uranium mining sites in Germany. The federal government provided a total of 13 billion DM for the renovation, and Wismut GmbH is committed to ecologically rehabilitating former uranium mining areas. The last uranium production in Germany stopped in 2021, sealing the official phase-out of uranium production. Chemnitz 2025 informed, that the Wismut network is an integral part of the cultural and historical memory in the region.

The exhibition “Faces of Bismuth” is therefore not only a look back at a difficult history, but also a space for reflection on the effects of uranium mining on the local community and the environment. The efforts to process and raise awareness through such events play a central role in the future cross-generational discussion of this issue.